taking heat over its november cover, featuring actress melissa McCARTHY. She's shown covered up in a big coat. And while revealing the curves of slimmer actresses on other covers, the magazine is now taking a hit. Abc's abbie boudreau has the story. Reporter: Funny woman melissa McCARTHY, GRACES THE COVER OF "Elle" magazine. Along with a few other stars. But on their covers, reese witherspoon is in this black dress. And woodley is in this bikini. While some are applauding the magazine for putting a plus-size actress on its cover, others are saying it sends the wrong message. Keep yourself covered up. Reporter: Critics say "elle" CHOSE TO HIDE MccCARTHY'S BODY. Many accuse "elle" of draping her in the largest coat possible. And one person tweeting, god forbid a big woman be sexy. It's not doing much to change the believers that are already entrenched, which is small is sexy. You want to have a problem? I feel like all this is very petty. Reporter: Even exmodel, author and "real housewife of atlanta" star, cynthia bailey, says the fashion industry needs to change with the time. Fashion has changed. I immediately thought, what a missed opportunity to represent all of the curvy girls of the world. Reporter: Abc news reached out to "elle" but did not get a response. While the "bridesmaid" star, did not mind showing some leg in this scene -- what's that? Reporter: Apparently, she loves the cover. And her reps say she even picked out that coat. For "good morning america," abbie boudreau, abc news, los angeles. This cannot be a real issue, right? I think the cover is great. One person's opinion is hers. If she loves it, I love it. Come on. And so, the women in hollywood issue, to be the person, the actress on the cover of the magazine, is a big deal. She looks gorgeous. And to your point, if she's happy with it, if she's comfortable with it, then that's good. I would imagine she has something to do with choosing your outfit. At that level, you have a say. She picked the coat. Fantastic. Great choice. She looks fantastic in it. Congratulations, melissa. On the cover, you look gorgeous.

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